The Windsors

by Piers; Whitehead Brendon

This enthralling and revealing biography of the royal family, based on research done for the four-part TV documentary of the same name, tells the story of the House of Windsor from its foundation in 1917 to the present day. Drawing on private papers and personal reminiscences which extend from George V to Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the authors explain how the monarchy has re-created itself down the ages. Its power to survive crises like the First World War (when the dynasty changed its German name), the abdication of King Edward VIII, royal divorces and the death of Diana, is analysed in depth for the first time. So is the use of glittering ceremonies like coronations, jubilees and royal marriages, as well as 'invented traditions' like the investiture of Prince Charles at Caernavon. The authors also explore the crucial role of the press - from the organised silence which surrounded Wallis Simpson and the vital part played by regal matriarchs like Queen Mary and the Queen Mother to the creation of Diana as a popular icon. Frank, entertaining and authoritative, this family portrait penetrates the myths surrounding the throne and anatomises the magic of majesty as never before.

Genres: History, British Literature

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Susan Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, an accompaniment to the TV miniseries of the same name, is a highly detailed, but readable account of the British royal family from George V to the the year 2000. It was George V who established the English name of the royals in 1917, changing out the German Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha surname as Great Britain was at war with Germany. Authors Piers Brendon and Phillip Whitehead augment the official record with important information gleaned from diaries, letters, private documents and interviews to give a warts-and-all portrait of the House of Windsor. The men, from Edward VII through Georges V and VI, Edward VIII (who abdicated) down to Charles III, do not come off well. It was Queen Mary, wife of George V, Queen Elizabeth, wife of George VI and Queen Elizabeth II who managed the may crises of the 20th century. Most interesting, and most likely to turn one into an anti-monarchist, are the accounts of the wealth accrued by each reigning monarch and the amount they were nevertheless subsidized through the Civil List by the British taxpayer.

[Burt Schoeppe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty average.

Competent writing. Tells a not-very-interesting story well enough.